Minnesota Broadcasting Hall of Fame

Marty O'Neill

Inducted 2010

A generation of wrestling fans remembers Marty O’Neill as the announcer for All Star Wrestling. But he should also be remembered as one of the finest all-around sports broadcasters in Minnesota history.

Marty was in the business for one reason – he loved sports. A 1929 graduate of St. Paul Central High School, Marty was a three-sport letter winner in football, basketball, and baseball. Marty was named to the all-city football and basketball teams. He played amateur baseball for several seasons and won the national championship in 1937. He also played two years with the Duluth team of the Northern League. Following his baseball career, Marty officiated high school and college football games before becoming sports director of WMIN Radio where he announced the play-by-play for the St. Paul Saints baseball and hockey teams.

In 1955 he began his career as a wrestling announcer. His knowledge of the sport, flawless delivery, and humility earned him the respect of everyone who worked with him. Marty was a charter inductee into the Minnesota Baseball Association’s Hall of Fame in 1963 and the St. Paul Central High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 1995.